Methods and apparatuses for creating a visual effect on a rubber article

ABSTRACT

Various methods and apparatuses for creating a visual effect on a rubber article are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rubber article having a visual effect is provided, the rubber article comprising: a surface having at least one surface feature; and wherein the at least one surface feature comprises a plurality of linear elements creating a camouflage-shaped appearance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/841,527, filed on Jul. 1, 2013, which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many rubber articles, such as tires, incorporate text, aestheticdesigns, and other visual effects on the article's surface. Suchelements may be used to convey information about the brand, style, type,size, performance, rating, and intended operating conditions of thearticle. Such elements may also be directed toward making the articlemore visually appealing to a purchaser or user of the product. Manyrubber articles, such as tires, are comprised of solid black materialsthat offer very little in the way of contrast in the surface of therubber article.

The elements noted above are made up of either indentations (e.g.concave portions) or protrusions (e.g., convex portions) in the surfaceof the rubber article. Emphasis of a particular article is achieved byincreasing the depth or height of the indentation or protrusion,respectively. A rubber article is typically molded under high pressuresand temperatures inside of a mold, requiring sophisticated venting atthe mold-rubber interface to ensure that the rubber fully contacts themold where intended, especially at or around mold elements intended tocreate indentations or protrusions. The site of a protrusion orindentation in a rubber article often generates a stress riser in thearticle, resulting in a potential weak point that may necessitate use ofadditional, thicker material to overcome.

Use of additional or thicker material to overcome stress risers inrubber articles results in a rubber article that is heavier thannecessary, and which requires more material than is otherwise necessary.Improved methods and apparatuses are needed for creating visual effectson a rubber article.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a rubber article comprising a visual effect isprovided, the rubber article comprising: a surface having at least onesurface feature; and wherein the at least one surface feature comprisesa plurality of linear elements creating a camouflage-shaped appearance.

In another embodiment, a rubber article having a visual effect isprovided, the rubber article comprising: a surface comprising at leastone surface feature; wherein the at least one surface feature comprisesat least one of: a plurality of non-linear elements, a carbon fiberappearance, a contrasting glossy and textured lettering, a shadowedlettering, a galvanized steel appearance, a knurled appearance, aleather appearance, a camouflage-shaped appearance, a leaf appearance, atree appearance, a tree bark appearance, and an image in shallow relief;and wherein the at least one surface feature comprises at least oneelement having a spacing between about 0.025 mm and about 0.609 mm.

In another embodiment, a rubber article having a visual effect isprovided, the rubber article comprising: a surface having at least twosurface features, each of the at least two surface features beingcontained within distinct areas; wherein each of the at least twosurface features comprise a plurality of linear elements, the pluralityof linear elements have a spacing between about 0.025 mm and about 0.609mm; and wherein each of the at least two surface features interacts withlight to create a shade of a color.

In another embodiment, a rubber article comprising a visual effect isprovided, the rubber article comprising: a surface comprising at leastone surface feature; wherein the at least one surface feature comprisesat least one of: a plurality of linear elements, a plurality ofnon-linear elements, a glossy finish, a carbon fiber appearance, acontrasting glossy and textured lettering, a shadowed lettering, agalvanized steel appearance, a knurled appearance, a leather appearance,a camouflage-shaped appearance, a leaf appearance, a tree appearance, atree bark appearance, and an image in shallow relief; and wherein the atleast one surface feature comprises at least one element having a depthbetween about 0.025 mm and about 0.305 mm, a width between about 0.025mm and about 0.508 mm, and a spacing between about 0.025 mm and about0.609 mm.

In one embodiment, a method for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle is provided, the method comprising: providing a mold for arubber article, wherein the mold comprises a negative of surfacefeatures to be provided on the rubber article, wherein the surfacefeatures comprise at least one of a plurality of linear elements, aplurality of non-linear elements, a glossy finish, a carbon fiberappearance, contrasting glossy and textured lettering, shadowedlettering, a galvanized steel appearance, a knurled appearance, aleather appearance, a camouflage-shaped appearance, a leaf appearance, atree appearance, a tree bark appearance, and an image in shallow relief;wherein the surface features comprise at least one element having adepth between about 0.025 mm and about 0.305 mm, a width between about0.025 mm and about 0.508 mm, and a spacing between about 0.025 mm andabout 0.609 mm; and applying uncured rubber material to the mold toeffect vulcanization of the rubber material.

In another embodiment, a method for creating a visual effect in a tirethrough treatment of a tire mold is provided, the method comprising:providing a tire mold for a tire; applying a masking material to asurface of the tire mold; selectively removing at least a portion of themasking material to expose the portions of the surface of the tire moldto be treated; and applying an acid to the tire mold to chemically etchthe exposed portions of the surface of the tire mold.

In another embodiment, a method for creating a visual effect in a tirethrough treatment of a tire mold is provided, the method comprising:providing a tire mold for a tire; and etching a surface of the tire moldwith a laser to produce a negative of surface features to be provided onthe tire.

In another embodiment, a method for creating a visual effect in a tirethrough treatment of a tire mold is provided, the method comprising:providing a tire mold for a tire; and polishing at least a portion ofthe tire mold to achieve a desired glossiness in the tire.

In another embodiment, a rubber article comprising a visual effect isprovided, the rubber article comprising: a surface comprising at leastone surface feature; and wherein the at least one surface featurecomprises a plurality of linear elements creating a camouflage-shapedappearance.

In another embodiment, a rubber article comprising a visual effect isprovided, the rubber article comprising: a surface comprising at leastone surface feature; wherein the at least one surface feature comprisesan image in shallow relief.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various example methods andapparatuses, and are used merely to illustrate various exampleembodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example arrangement of a rubberarticle comprising at least one visual effect.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an example arrangement ofa tire comprising at least one visual effect.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an example arrangement of atire comprising at least one visual effect.

FIG. 4A illustrates a partial side view of an example arrangement of atire sidewall 402 comprising at least one visual effect.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example sectional view take about section 4-4 oftire sidewall 402.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example sectional view take about section 4-4 oftire sidewall 402.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial side view of an example arrangement of atire sidewall comprising at least one visual effect.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle through treatment of a mold.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle through treatment of a mold.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle through treatment of a mold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an example arrangement of a rubberarticle 100 comprising at least one visual effect. Rubber article 100includes at least a surface 102. Rubber article 100 includes at leastone surface feature, such as surface features 104, 106, and 108. Rubberarticle 100 may include at least one substantially non-textured area,such as area 110.

Rubber article 100 may include any of a variety of items molded fromrubber. By way of example, rubber article 100 may include any of a tire,an air spring, rubber roofing material, rubber boots or protectiveclothing, or vehicle accessories such as mud flaps. Molding of rubberarticle 100 often includes vulcanization, which involves the applicationof high temperatures and pressures to rubber material within theconfines of a mold. Rubber article 100 adopts a shape that is a negativeof the mold. That is, a protrusion in a mold results in an indentationin rubber article 100.

One problem common to rubber molding and vulcanization is failure ofrubber material to properly flow into various parts of the mold as aresult of trapped air, often resulting in thin, misshapen, orinsufficient material at that point in the rubber article. One solutionis the forming of vents in the mold at these sites of poor materialflow. The vents permit air trapped between the rubber material and themold to evacuate to allow the rubber material to fully contact the mold.

Another problem common to rubber molding and vulcanization is pollutionof indentations in the mold with debris, including particles of rubbermaterial, a vapor contaminate produced during vulcanization, and carbon.This debris must be periodically removed from the mold to preventcontamination and/or less than adequate molding of later rubber articlesformed in the mold.

Surface 102 may include any surface on rubber article 100. Surface 102may be a tire sidewall. Surface 102 may be at least one of a tiresidewall, tire shoulder, tire tread, tire groove, tire rib, and tirebead area. Surface 102 may include any exterior surface on rubberarticle 100 where visual effects are desired.

Surface feature 104 may include a series of linear elements oriented ina substantially horizontal direction. Surface feature 106 may include aseries of linear elements oriented in a substantially verticaldirection. Surface feature 108 may include a series of linear elementsoriented in a substantially diagonal direction. Each of surface features104, 106, and 108 may be oriented in directions that are about 45degrees from one another.

In another embodiment, each of surface features 104, 106, and 108 areoriented in any of various directions. Rubber article 100 may include atleast one surface feature. Rubber article 100 may include more thanthree surface features (e.g., rubber article 100 includes surfacefeatures in addition to surface features 104, 106, and 108), eachcomprising linear elements oriented in any of various directions.

The number of independent surface features, such as surface features104, 106, and 108 may be dependent upon the angle of linear elementscontained in each surface feature. That is, surface features havinglinear elements with three different angles (e.g., 0 degrees, 45degrees, and 90 degrees) yield three different shades of surfacefeatures. Similarly, surface features having linear elements with fourdifferent angles (e.g., 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90degrees) may yield four different shades of surface features. Surfacefeatures having linear elements with two different angles (e.g., 0degrees and 90 degrees) may yield two different shades of surfacefeatures. Separating the angles of linear elements in surface featuresas much as possible may create the greatest contrast possible betweenthose surface features. It may be desirable to create the greatestcontrast possible between surface features, or it may be desirable tocreate more subtle contrast between surface features. It may bedesirable to create greater contrast between some surface features andless, or subtle contrast, between other surface features. Surfacefeatures may include any angle, including any angle between 0 degreesand 180 degrees.

Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include a series of linearelements. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include linear elementsincluding a series of linear protrusions and indentations orientedadjacent one another, to create a shallow relief. The arrangement of theseries of linear protrusions and indentations oriented adjacent oneanother may interact with light to reflect a certain shade of color. Thearrangement of the series of linear protrusions and indentationsoriented contiguous one another. For instance, light from the sun,overhead lights, or street lights may be oriented substantially aboverubber article 100. The light may shine down and encounter substantiallyhorizontal linear elements (e.g., surface feature 104) on a black rubberarticle 100, in which case the light may reflect off of a portion of thehorizontal linear protrusions. The horizontal linear protrusions mayalso block light and cause a shadow within the horizontal linearindentations. Such a horizontal surface feature 104 may appear to theeye as a mixture of some lighter color (e.g., reflected light) anddarker color (e.g., shadows) causing an overall appearance of a darkgray color.

In another example, light from the sun or a street light may shine downand encounter substantially vertical linear elements (e.g., surfacefeature 106) on a black rubber article 100. In such a case, the lightmay reflect off of both the vertical linear protrusions and the verticallinear indentations, which may appear to the eye as a gray color that islighter than that exhibited by horizontal surface feature 104.

In one embodiment, each of surface features 104, 106, and 108 includelinear elements oriented in different directions. Each of surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108, as a result of the orientation of theindividual linear elements, may interact with light to create a contrastappearance between surface features 104, 106, and 108. Rubber article100 may be black in color, and areas of surface features 104, 106, and108 interact with light to create the appearance of various shades ofblack and gray. The various shades of black and gray may create acontrast appearance between surface features 104, 106, and 108. More orfewer surface features may be provided, each creating contrastingappearances or various different shades of black and gray. Rubberarticle 100 may be any color, including for example, colors other thanblack. Rubber article 100 containing one or more surface feature mayinteract with light to create a contrast appearance between the surfacefeatures, such that each of the surface features may include distinctshades of the color of rubber article 100.

In one embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 are containedwithin areas having any of a variety of shapes. At least one of surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may be contained within areas havingirregular shapes. At least one of surface features 104, 106, and 108 maybe contained within areas having irregular shapes, similar to acamouflage-shaped pattern. At least one of surface features 104, 106,and 108 may be contained within areas having irregular shapes, and eachof the irregular shapes adopts any of various shades of black and grayto create a contrast appearance between the irregular shapes.

Camouflage, as described herein, may refer to an article having amottled design. The camouflage may include streaks or patches of varyingshades of color. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may be orientedadjacent one another and may exhibit varying shades of color, such thatthe varying shades mimic the mottled design commonly found in acamouflage pattern. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may be orientedcontiguous one another. Camouflage, as used herein, may refer not to apattern of varying colors, but rather to a pattern of varying shades ofcolors.

A camouflage-shaped pattern, as described herein, may refer to anarticle having distinct areas containing surface features 104, 106, and108, patterned in a manner similar to common military camouflages,hunting camouflages, and the like.

Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may be contained within distinctareas. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may be contained withindistinct areas oriented such that the surface features are substantiallyevenly distributed. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may be containedwithin distinct areas oriented such that like surface features are notcontiguous. As an example, surface feature 104 comprising a distinctarea may be separated from another surface feature 104 comprising adistinct area, by at least one surface feature 106 or 108 comprising adistinct area. Orienting surface features 104, 106, and 108 such thatlike surface features are not contiguous may create contrast betweensurface features 104, 106, and 108, causing surface features 104, 106,and 108 to adopt various separate shades of color.

In one embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 may be containedwithin any of a variety of distinct areas comprising a variety ofshapes. Such shapes include regular shapes, circles, squares,rectangles, triangles, and the like. Surface features 104, 106, and 108may be used to create or fill in letters or numbers on rubber article100.

Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include substantially straightlines. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include substantiallyparallel lines. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include curvedlines. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include curved linesoffset from one another by a substantially constant distance. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include curved lines such as, forexample, arcs or splines. Arcs may include a substantially constantradius. Splines may include a substantially non-constant radius. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include curved lines and be generallycurvilinear in nature. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may includelines of substantially constant width. Surface features 104, 106, and108 may include lines of varying width. Surface features 104, 106, and108 may include lines of substantially constant depth or height. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include lines of varying depth or height.Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include lines of substantiallyconstant direction. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include linesof varying direction. Where any of surface features 104, 106, or 108include lines of varying properties (e.g., varying width, varying depthor height, varying direction, etc.), it is understood that individuallines within the surface features may at times have changes inproperties. That is, a single line may increase in width, depth,direction, or the like. Likewise, multiple lines adjacent one anothermay have changes in properties. That is, a first line has a firstconstant width, depth, direction, or the like, and an adjacent secondline has a second constant width, depth, direction, or the like, whichmay differ from the first. Multiple lines contiguous one another mayhave changes in properties.

Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include intersecting lines.Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include any of a variety ofnon-linear elements, such as squares, diamonds, and irregular shapes.Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include at least one of: a glossyfinish, a carbon fiber appearance, contrasting glossy and texturedlettering, shadowed lettering, a galvanized steel appearance, a knurledappearance, a leather appearance, a camouflage-shaped appearance, a leafappearance, a tree appearance, a tree bark appearance, and any desiredimage capable of creation in shallow relief. In another embodiment,surface features 104, 106, and 108 are created in shallow relief.

Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include a glossy finish. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include a carbon fiber appearance.Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include contrasting glossy andtextured lettering. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include ashadowed lettering. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include agalvanized steel appearance. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 mayinclude a knurled appearance. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 mayinclude a leather appearance. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 mayinclude a camouflage-shaped appearance. Surface features 104, 106, and108 may include a leaf appearance. Surface features 104, 106, and 108may include a tree appearance. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 mayinclude a tree bark appearance. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 mayinclude any desired image capable of creation in shallow relief.

Shallow relief may include an element having varied depths (e.g., formedinto a surface) or heights (e.g., extending from a surface), oriented soas to form an image. The shallow relief may extend to a depth of betweenabout 0.025 mm and about 0.305 mm. In another embodiment, the shallowrelief has a depth of between about 0.051 mm and about 0.254 mm. Inanother embodiment, the shallow relief has a depth of between about0.102 mm and about 0.203 mm. The shallow relief may extend to a depthless than about 0.025 mm. The shallow relief may extend to a depthgreater than 0.305 mm. The shallow relief may extend to a depth withinany of the ranges set forth above, including for example 0.032 mm, 0.115mm, and the like. The shallow relief may extend to a depth having any ofthe aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds. The shallow reliefmay extend to a depth in a range contained within any of theaforementioned ranges.

In one embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elementshaving a depth of between about 0.025 mm and about 0.305 mm. In anotherembodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elements having adepth of between about 0.051 mm and about 0.254 mm. In anotherembodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elements having adepth of between about 0.102 mm and about 0.203 mm. Surface features104, 106, and 108 may include elements having a depth less than about0.025 mm. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include elements havinga depth greater than 0.305 mm. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 mayinclude elements having a depth within any of the ranges set forthabove, including for example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include elements having a depth havingany of the aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include elements having a depth in arange contained within any of the aforementioned ranges.

In one embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elementshaving a width of between about 0.025 mm and about 0.508 mm. In anotherembodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elements having awidth of between about 0.127 mm and about 0.381 mm. In anotherembodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elements having awidth of between about 0.178 mm and about 0.330 mm. Surface features104, 106, and 108 may include elements having a width less than about0.025 mm. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include elements havinga width greater than 0.508 mm. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 mayinclude elements having a width within any of the ranges set forthabove, including for example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include elements having a width havingany of the aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include elements having a width in arange contained within any of the aforementioned ranges.

In one embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elementshaving a spacing of between about 0.025 mm and about 0.609 mm. Inanother embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elementshaving a spacing of between about 0.127 mm and about 0.508 mm. Inanother embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 include elementshaving a spacing of between about 0.203 mm and about 0.432 mm. Surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may include elements having a spacing lessthan about 0.025 mm. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may includeelements having a spacing greater than 0.609 mm. Surface features 104,106, and 108 may include elements having a spacing within any of theranges set forth above, including for example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, andthe like. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include elements havinga spacing having any of the aforementioned values as upper and lowerbounds. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may include elements having aspacing in a range contained within any of the aforementioned ranges.

In one embodiment, surface features 104, 106, and 108 may be containedwithin any of a variety of distinct areas comprising a variety ofshapes. Such shapes include regular shapes, circles, squares,rectangles, triangles, and the like. Such shapes may include irregularshapes. Such shapes may include a combination of different regularshapes, different irregular shapes, a mixture of regular shapes andirregular shapes, or the like. Surface features 104, 106, and 108 may beused to create or fill in letters or numbers on rubber article 100.

Area 110 may include a substantially non-textured area. Area 110 mayinclude texturing having a slight roughness common to molded rubberarticles. Area 110 may have a surface with slight texturing as theresult of media blasting of the mold in which the molded rubber articlewas formed. Area 110 may be contained within any of a variety ofdistinct areas comprising a variety of shapes. Such shapes includeirregular shapes, regular shapes, circles, squares, rectangles,triangles, and the like. Area 110 may include irregular shapes, similarto a camouflage-shaped pattern. Area 110 may be used to create or fillin letters or numbers on rubber article 100. Area 110 may be containedwithin distinct areas oriented such that the distinct areas are notcontiguous. The distinct areas may be separated by one or more ofsurface features 104, 106, and 108. Area 110 may include a glossappearance.

The distinct areas of surface features 104, 106, or 108 may be separatedfrom one another by a border 111. Any of the distinct areas of surfacefeatures 104, 106, or 108, or area 110, may be separated from oneanother by a border 111. Any of the distinct areas of surface features104, 106, or 108, or area 110, may abut one another without border 111oriented therebetween. Some of the distinct areas of surface features104, 106, or 108, or area 110, may be separated from one another by aborder 111, while some of the distinct areas of surface features 104,106, or 108, or area 110 may abut one another without border 111. Border111 may be a “gap” formed by a substantially non-textured area. Border111 may be a raised ridge. Border 111 may be an indentation such as achannel. Border 111 may be a solid ridge extending to about the sameheight as surface 102 oriented near border 111. Border 111 may be raisedto a height greater than the height of surface 102 oriented near border111 (for example, to a height greater than any of surface features 104,106, or 108, or area 110).

In one embodiment, rubber article 100 is molded using at least one moldcomprising a surface. The at least one mold surface includes a negativeof the desired surface of rubber article 100. Accordingly, surfacefeatures 104, 106, and 108 may correspond to a series of elements in themold surface. Area 110 may correspond to surfaces of the mold that aresubstantially free of texturing, or that include light texturing (e.g.,such as an acid etched texturing). Area 110 may correspond to surfacesof the mold that are polished. Polished mold surfaces may include afinish substantially equal to Society of Plastics Industry (“SPI”) A-1,SPI A-2, or SPI A-3.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an example arrangement ofa tire 200 comprising at least one visual effect. Tire 200 includes asidewall 202. Sidewall 202 may include surface features 204 and 206.Surface features 204 and 206 may be separated from one another, or otherportions of tire 200, or sidewall 202, by a border 211.

Sidewall 202 may additionally include at least one indicia 212. Indicia212 may include any of a variety of symbols, including letters ornumbers. Indicia 212 may include logos.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, surface feature 204 includes a lighter shadeas a result of its interaction with light. Surface feature 206 includesa darker shade as a result of its interaction with light. It should beunderstood that as tire 200 rotates and/or the light source positionchanges, the surface features 204 and 206 may adopt different shades andmay alternate shades, wherein one is darker than the other in a firstposition, and lighter than the other in a second position. Surfacefeatures 204 and 206 may create contrast in sidewall 202. Surfacefeatures 204 and 206 may be contained within any of a variety ofdistinct areas comprising a variety of shapes, such as for examplerandom irregular shapes as used in a camouflage-shaped pattern. At leastone of surface features 204 and 206 may include at least one surfacefeature including shallow relief surface features. At least one ofsurface features 204 and 206 may include a glossy finish. At least oneof surface features 204 and 206 may include a plurality of linearelements.

At least one indicia 212 may include a substantially non-texturedfinish. At least one indicia 212 may include a glossy finish effected bypolishing the tire sidewall mold. At least one indicia 212 may includeat least one surface feature.

Surface features 204 and 206 including a glossy finish may have a depthof between about 0.000 mm and about 0.305 mm. In another embodiment,surface features 204 and 206 including a glossy finish may have a depthof between about 0.025 mm and about 0.254 mm. In another embodiment,surface features 204 and 206 including a glossy finish may have a depthof between about 0.051 mm and about 0.203 mm. Surface features 204 and206 may include a glossy finish having a depth less than about 0.025 mm.Surface features 204 and 206 may include a glossy finish having a depthgreater than about 0.305 mm. Surface features 204 and 206 may include aglossy finish having a depth within any of the ranges set forth above,including for example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Surface features204 and 206 may include a glossy finish having a range of depths havingany of the aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds. Surfacefeatures 204 and 206 may include a glossy finish having a depth in arange contained within any of the aforementioned ranges.

In one embodiment, any of surface features 204, 206, and at least oneindicia 212 may be applied to any portion of tire 200, includingsidewall 202, a tire shoulder, a tire tread, a tire groove, a tire rib,and a tire bead area.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of an example arrangement ofa tire sidewall 302 comprising at least one visual effect. Tire sidewall302 may include surface features 304, 306, and 308. Tire sidewall 302may additionally include a substantially non-textured area, such as area310. Surface features 304, 306, or 308, or area 310, may be separatedfrom one another, or other portions of tire sidewall 302, by a border311. Tire sidewall 302 may additionally include at least one indicia312.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, surface features 304, 306, and 308 may includelinear elements including a series of linear protrusions andindentations oriented adjacent one another. The arrangement of theseries of linear elements may create a shallow relief. Surface features304, 306, and 308 may include liner elements, wherein the linearelements of each of surface features 304, 306, and 308 extend indifferent directions.

Surface feature 304 may include a lighter shade as a result of itsinteraction with light. Surface feature 308 may include a slightlydarker shade than surface feature 304 as a result of its interactionwith light. Surface feature 306 may include a slightly darker shade thansurface feature 308 as a result of its interaction with light. Asillustrated, area 310 may include a significantly lighter shade than anyof surface features 304, 306, and 308. Area 310 may reflect lightdifferently than surface features 304, 306, and 308 as a result of itssubstantially non-textured surface, or slightly textured surface,creating a lighter shade appearance.

In one embodiment, at least one indicia 312 includes a glossy surface.At least one indicia 312 may include a raised border. The raised bordermay surround a glossy inner surface of at least one indicia 312. As aresult of its glossy finish, at least one indicia 312 may adopt mixedshades of dark and light as a result of its interaction with light.Sidewall 302 may be curved, and at least one indicia 312 may likewisecurved, which may result in one portion of at least one indicia 312adopting a lighter shade while another portion of at least one indicia312 adopts a darker shade.

FIG. 4A illustrates a partial side view of an example arrangement of atire sidewall 402 comprising at least one visual effect. Tire sidewall402 may include surface features 404, 406, and 408. Tire sidewall 402may additionally include a substantially non-textured area, such as area410. Surface features 404, 406, or 408, or area 410, may be separatedfrom one another, or other portions of tire sidewall 402, by a border411. Tire sidewall 402 may additionally include at least one indicia412.

Surface features 404, 406, and 408, may be oriented in distinct areashaving a camouflage-shaped pattern, such that when surface features 404,406, and 408, are oriented adjacent one another, each having slightlydifferent and contrasting shades, a camouflaged appearance is producedon tire sidewall 402. Surface features 404, 406, and 408, may beoriented in distinct areas having a camouflage-shaped pattern, such thatwhen surface features 404, 406, and 408, are oriented contiguous oneanother, a camouflaged appearance is produced on tire sidewall 402.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example sectional view take about section 4-4 oftire sidewall 402. Section 4-4 may include a depth D, a first width W1,a second width W2, a spacing S, a pitch P, and an angle A.

Depth D may correspond to the depth of surface features 404, 406, and408 in tire sidewall 402. Depth D may be between about 0.025 mm andabout 0.305 mm. In another embodiment, depth D may be between about0.051 mm and about 0.254 mm. In another embodiment, depth D may bebetween about 0.102 mm and about 0.203 mm. In another embodiment, depthD may be about 0.200 mm. Depth D may be less than about 0.025 mm. DepthD may be greater than about 0.305 mm. Depth D may be within any of theranges set forth above, including for example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, andthe like. Depth D may have any of the aforementioned values as upper andlower bounds. Depth D may have a depth in a range contained within anyof the aforementioned ranges.

First width W1 may correspond to the surface width of surface features404, 406, and 408 in tire sidewall 402. First width W1 may be betweenabout 0.025 mm and about 0.508 mm. In another embodiment, first width W1may be between about 0.127 mm and about 0.381 mm. In another embodiment,first width W1 may be between about 0.178 mm and about 0.330 mm. Inanother embodiment, first width W1 may be about 0.200 mm. Width W1 maybe less than about 0.025 mm. Width W1 may be greater than about 0.508mm. Width W1 may be within any of the ranges set forth above, includingfor example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Width W1 may have any ofthe aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds. Width W1 may have arange contained within any of the aforementioned ranges.

Second width W2 may correspond to the base width of surface features404, 406, and 408 in tire sidewall 402. Second width W2 may be betweenabout 0.039 mm and about 0.808 mm. In another embodiment, second widthW2 may be between about 0.202 mm and about 0.606 mm. In anotherembodiment, second width W2 may be between about 0.283 mm and about0.525 mm. In another embodiment, second width W2 may be about 0.318 mm.Width W2 may be less than about 0.039 mm. Width W2 may be greater thanabout 0.808 mm. Width W2 may be within any of the ranges set forthabove, including for example 0.042 mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Width W2may have any of the aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds.Width W2 may have a range contained within any of the aforementionedranges.

Spacing S may correspond to the surface spacing of surface features 404,406, and 408 in tire sidewall 402. Spacing S may be between about 0.025mm and about 0.609 mm. In another embodiment, spacing S may be betweenabout 0.127 mm and about 0.508 mm. In another embodiment, spacing S maybe between about 0.203 mm and about 0.432 mm. In another embodiment,spacing S may be about 0.550 mm. Spacing S may be less than about 0.025mm. Spacing S may be greater than about 0.609 mm. Spacing S may bewithin any of the ranges set forth above, including for example 0.042mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Spacing S may have any of the aforementionedvalues as upper and lower bounds. Spacing S may have a range containedwithin any of the aforementioned ranges.

Angle A may be the angle of the walls of surface features 404, 406, and408 in tire sidewall 402. Angle A may be between about 0 degrees and 90degrees. In another embodiment, angle A may be between about 30 degreesand about 75 degrees. In another embodiment, angle A may be betweenabout 50 degrees and about 70 degrees. In another embodiment, angle Amay be about 60 degrees. Angle A may be less than about 0 degrees. AngleA may be greater than about 90 degrees. Angle A may be within any of theranges set forth above, including for example 7 degrees, 41 degrees, andthe like. Angle A may have any of the aforementioned values as upper andlower bounds. Angle A may have a range contained within any of theaforementioned ranges.

Pitch P may correspond to the frequency of surface features 404, 406,and 408 in tire sidewall 402. Pitch P may be between about 0.300 mm andabout 1.200 mm. In another embodiment, pitch P may be between about0.500 mm and about 1.000 mm. In another embodiment, pitch P may bebetween about 0.650 mm and about 0.850 mm. In another embodiment, pitchP may be about 0.750 mm. Pitch P may be less than about 0.300 mm. PitchP may be greater than about 1.200 mm. Pitch P may be within any of theranges set forth above, including for example 0.708 mm, 1.002 mm, andthe like. Pitch P may have any of the aforementioned values as upper andlower bounds. Pitch P may have a range contained within any of theaforementioned ranges.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example sectional view take about section 4-4 oftire sidewall 402. Section 4-4 may include a depth D, a first width W1,a second width W2, a spacing S, a pitch P, and an angle A.

Depth D may correspond to the depth of surface features 404, 406, and408 in tire sidewall 402. Depth D may be between about 0.015 mm andabout 0.250 mm. In another embodiment, depth D may be between about0.075 mm and about 0.200 mm. In another embodiment, depth D may bebetween about 0.125 mm and about 0.175 mm. In another embodiment, depthD may be about 0.150 mm. Depth D may be less than about 0.015 mm. DepthD may be greater than about 0.250 mm. Depth D may be within any of theranges set forth above, including for example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, andthe like. Depth D may have any of the aforementioned values as upper andlower bounds. Depth D may have a depth in a range contained within anyof the aforementioned ranges.

First width W1 may correspond to the surface width of surface features404, 406, and 408 in tire sidewall 402. First width W1 may be betweenabout 0.025 mm and about 0.508 mm. In another embodiment, first width W1may be between about 0.127 mm and about 0.381 mm. In another embodiment,first width W1 may be between about 0.178 mm and about 0.330 mm. Inanother embodiment, first width W1 may be about 0.200 mm. Width W1 maybe less than about 0.025 mm. Width W1 may be greater than about 0.508mm. Width W1 may be within any of the ranges set forth above, includingfor example 0.032 mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Width W1 may have any ofthe aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds. Width W1 may have arange contained within any of the aforementioned ranges.

Second width W2 may correspond to the base width of surface features404, 406, and 408 in tire sidewall 402. Second width W2 may be betweenabout 0.039 mm and about 0.808 mm. In another embodiment, second widthW2 may be between about 0.202 mm and about 0.606 mm. In anotherembodiment, second width W2 may be between about 0.283 mm and about0.525 mm. In another embodiment, second width W2 may be about 0.318 mm.Width W2 may be less than about 0.039 mm. Width W2 may be greater thanabout 0.808 mm. Width W2 may be within any of the ranges set forthabove, including for example 0.042 mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Width W2may have any of the aforementioned values as upper and lower bounds.Width W2 may have a range contained within any of the aforementionedranges.

Spacing S may correspond to the surface spacing of surface features 404,406, and 408 in tire sidewall 402. Spacing S may be between about 0.025mm and about 0.360 mm. In another embodiment, spacing S may be betweenabout 0.127 mm and about 0.250 mm. In another embodiment, spacing S maybe between about 0.200 mm and about 0.400 mm. In another embodiment,spacing S may be about 0.300 mm. Spacing S may be less than about 0.025mm. Spacing S may be greater than about 0.360 mm. Spacing S may bewithin any of the ranges set forth above, including for example 0.042mm, 0.115 mm, and the like. Spacing S may have any of the aforementionedvalues as upper and lower bounds. Spacing S may have a range containedwithin any of the aforementioned ranges.

Angle A may be the angle of the walls of surface features 404, 406, and408 in tire sidewall 402. Angle A may be between about 0 degrees and 90degrees. In another embodiment, angle A may be between about 10 degreesand about 50 degrees. In another embodiment, angle A may be betweenabout 20 degrees and about 40 degrees. In another embodiment, angle Amay be about 30 degrees. Angle A may be less than about 0 degrees. AngleA may be greater than about 90 degrees. Angle A may be within any of theranges set forth above, including for example 7 degrees, 41 degrees, andthe like. Angle A may have any of the aforementioned values as upper andlower bounds. Angle A may have a range contained within any of theaforementioned ranges.

Pitch P may correspond to the frequency of surface features 404, 406,and 408 in tire sidewall 402. Pitch P may be between about 0.200 mm andabout 1.000 mm. In another embodiment, pitch P may be between about0.300 mm and about 0.750 mm. In another embodiment, pitch P may bebetween about 0.400 mm and about 0.600 mm. In another embodiment, pitchP may be about 0.500 mm. Pitch P may be less than about 0.200 mm. PitchP may be greater than about 1.000 mm. Pitch P may be within any of theranges set forth above, including for example 0.708 mm, 1.002 mm, andthe like. Pitch P may have any of the aforementioned values as upper andlower bounds. Pitch P may have a range contained within any of theaforementioned ranges.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, a pattern of elements, such as linearelements, or any of the elements described above with respect to thecreation of surface features, may be implemented upon tire sidewall 402.It is contemplated that such features could be implemented upon anyrubber article, and upon any portion of a tire. The pattern of elementsmay be dense, such that a plurality of tiny elements are oriented inclose proximity to achieve a desired surface feature.

In one embodiment, tire sidewall 402 may include a reducedthickness/gauge as compared to traditional sidewalls. The gauge may bemeasured from the axially outermost body ply to the sidewall surface. Atraditional tire sidewall gauge may be greater than, or equal to, about3.000 mm. A traditional tire sidewall gauge may be between about 2.000mm and about 3.000 mm.

Tire sidewall 402 may include a traditional sidewall gauge. Tiresidewall 402 may include a reduced sidewall gauge, with a value of lessthan or equal to about 2.000 mm. With a reduced sidewall gauge, thedepth D of elements in a surface feature may be reduced to maintainenough gage between the axially outermost body ply and the environmentoutside the tire. Similarly, the depth D of elements in a surfacefeature may be reduced to maintain structural integrity of tire sidewall402. Accordingly, a depth D of about 0.150 mm, which may be about halfthe depth of traditional surface features, may be necessary for use withtire sidewall 402 when using reduced gauge.

In one embodiment, minimizing depth D avoids tool breakage when making amold for molding tire sidewall 402. Maintaining depth D at or belowabout 0.200 mm may avoid tool breakage when making a mold for moldingtire sidewall 402.

In one embodiment, minimizing the pitch P may permit a denser pattern ofelements within a surface feature. Increasing the density of elementswithin the surface feature may create more extreme contrast betweensurface features 404, 406, and 408. Minimizing the pitch P may permitthe use of surface features having decreased depth D, while stillachieving the contrast desired between surface features 404, 406, and408. For example, pitch P may be reduced to about 0.500 mm.

Minimizing the pitch P may permit a denser pattern of elements, havingdecreased depth D, which produce a similar contrast to a less denserpattern of elements having an increased depth D.

Minimizing depth D may reduce wind resistance caused by turbulent drag,thus improving tire performance and vehicle fuel efficiency.

Minimizing angle A may allow for decreased pitch P while maximizingsecond width W2. Additionally, minimizing angle A may create a moredefined, “sharper” interface between the walls of surface features 404,406, and 408 and the surface of surface features 404, 406, and 408.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial side view of an example arrangement of atire sidewall 502 comprising at least one visual effect. Tire sidewall502 may include surface features 504, 506, 508, 514, and 516. Tiresidewall 502 may additionally include a substantially non-textured area,such as area 510. Tire sidewall 502 may additionally include at leastone indicia 512.

Additional contrast within surface features 504, 506, 508, 514, and 516may be achieved by varying the depth, width, and spacing of individualelements (e.g., linear elements) of surface features 504, 506, 508, 514,and 516. As illustrated, a pattern of wide lines 520 having a widthnearer the upper limit of widths disclosed above may create a darkershade. Similarly, a pattern of thin lines 522 having a width nearer thelower limit of widths disclosed above may create a lighter shade. Inthis manner, contrast can be added within surface features 504, 506,508, 514, and 516, even where linear elements therein may be oriented inthe same direction. At least one of surface features 504, 506, 508, 514,and 516, may include linear elements in substantially parallelorientation.

Additionally, linear elements making up surface features 504, 506, 508,514, and 516 may be selectively discontinuous, so as to create selectivegaps within the linear element that result in lighter shades.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, surface features 504, 506, 508, 514, and 516may include a leaf appearance, a tree appearance, and a tree barkappearance.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle. Method 600 includes the steps of providing a mold for a rubberarticle, wherein the mold includes a negative of at least one of surfacefeatures, letters, or numbers to be provided on the rubber element,wherein the surface features, letters, or numbers include at least oneof a plurality of linear elements, a plurality of non-linear elements, aglossy finish, a carbon fiber appearance, contrasting glossy andtextured lettering, shadowed lettering, a galvanized steel appearance, aknurled appearance, a leather appearance, a camouflage-shapedappearance, a leaf appearance, a tree appearance, a tree barkappearance, and any desired image capable of creation in shallow relief(step 602). Uncured rubber material is applied to the mold underappropriate temperature and pressure for the requisite duration toachieve vulcanization (step 604). The surface features, letters, ornumbers may include a plurality of linear elements. The surfacefeatures, letters, or numbers may include a plurality of non-linearelements. The surface features, letters, or numbers may include a glossyfinish. The surface features, letters, or numbers may include a carbonfiber appearance. The surface features, letters, or numbers may includea contrasting glossy and textured lettering. The surface features,letters, or numbers may include a shadowed lettering. The surfacefeatures, letters, or numbers may include a galvanized steel appearance.The surface features, letters, or numbers may include a knurledappearance. The surface features, letters, or numbers may include aleather appearance. The surface features, letters, or numbers mayinclude a camouflage-shaped appearance. The surface features, letters,or numbers may include a leaf appearance. The surface features, letters,or numbers may include a tree appearance. The surface features, letters,or numbers may include a tree bark appearance. The surface features,letters, or numbers may include any desired image capable of creation inshallow relief.

In one embodiment, a rubber article produced by method 600 includesshallow surface features, letters, or numbers. Such shallow surfacefeatures, letters, or numbers may result in the avoidance of stressrisers in a rubber article commonly associated with deeper surfacefeatures, letters, or numbers. Reduction or avoidance of stress risersin the rubber article results in increased strength and greater overallquality of the rubber article. Additionally, shallow surface features,letters, or numbers may achieve the same or greater contrast associatedwith deeper surface features, letters, or numbers, thereby exhibitingthe same or greater visibility as deeper surface features, letters, ornumbers.

In one embodiment, shallow surface features, letters, or numbers in arubber article require less rubber material and/or thinner rubbermaterial necessary for achieving contrast to make surface features,letters, or numbers clearly visible. That is, additional rubber materialand/or thicker rubber material is not necessary to overcome stressrisers in the rubber article commonly associated with deeper surfacefeatures, letters, or numbers. Additionally, shallow surface features,letters, or numbers do not require as much rubber material to form,thereby limiting the amount of rubber material necessary in forming therubber article. Reduction of rubber material may have benefits includingreduction of resources (e.g., compositions making up rubber material)necessary to form a rubber article, and an overall lighter rubberarticle. Where the rubber article is a tire, reduction of weightimproves fuel mileage for the vehicle using that tire. Additionally,reduction of rubber material may result in lower cost for producing therubber article while increasing the overall quality of the article.

In one embodiment, a rubber article is produced by method 600 andincludes a plurality of linear elements. The plurality of linearelements may act as natural vents allowing air to evacuate the spacebetween the rubber material and the mold and improve the material-moldinterfacing. Such natural venting may improve the overall quality of therubber article and reduce or eliminate the need for adding vents to themold.

In one embodiment, a rubber article is produced by method 600 andincludes surface features over at least a portion of the surface of therubber article. The surface features may act to mask naturalirregularities in the rubber article caused by a splice in the mold, asplice in the rubber material, or a junction between different rubbermaterials. This masking of irregularities may result in an improvementof the overall quality of the rubber article.

In one embodiment, a rubber article produced by method 600 includesshallow surface features, letters, or numbers. The mold used to form theshallow surface features, letters, or numbers will have corresponding,but negative, shallow features (i.e., protrusions and indentations).Reduction of depth of mold features may result in a mold that traps lessmaterial and debris, thereby requiring less frequent cleaning, orallowing quicker cleaning, than a mold comprising conventional featuredepths.

In one embodiment, a rubber article may be produced exhibiting shallowsurface features, letters, and numbers applied after the moldingprocess, and thus achieving a similar result as method 600, withoutimplementing method 600. Such rubber article may be carved, etched, orpolished to achieve the desired results.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle through treatment of a mold. Method 700 includes the steps ofproviding a mold for a rubber article (step 702). A masking material isapplied to the surface of the mold to be treated (step 704). The maskingmaterial is selectively removed to expose the portions of the surface ofthe mold to be treated (step 706). That is, if a line is to be etchedinto the surface of the mold, the masking material would be removed inan area corresponding to the line. An acid is applied to the mold tochemically etch or erode the portions of the mold surface exposed duringstep 706 (step 708). The amount of time that the mold is exposed to theacid determines the depth of features on the mold surface. That is, ashorter application time results in less depth, while a longerapplication time results in increased depth.

In one embodiment, method 700 is used to create a visual effect in atire through treatment of a tire mold. The rubber article may be a tire.The mold may be a tire mold.

Method 700 may be used to etch any of the above-described surfacefeatures, numbers, or letters into the surface of the mold. Method 700may be used to etch surface features comprising the depth, width, andspacing described above.

In one embodiment, masking material is selectively removed in step 706,using at least one of: the human hand, an engraving machine, and laserenergy from a laser.

In one embodiment, the masking material applied in step 704 includes atleast one of a wax coating and a paint.

In one embodiment, the acid is applied to the mold in step 708 bysubmerging the mold in an acid wash.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle through treatment of a mold. Method 800 includes the steps ofproviding a mold for a rubber article (step 802). Laser energy from alaser is used to etch the mold to create the desired pattern, depth,width, and spacing of features on the mold surface (step 804).

In one embodiment, method 800 is used to create a visual effect in atire through treatment of a tire mold. The rubber article may be a tire.The mold may be a tire mold.

Method 800 may be used to etch any of the above-described surfacefeatures, numbers, or letters into the surface of the mold. Method 800may be used to etch surface features comprising the depth, width, andspacing described above.

In one embodiment, the laser in step 804 includes multiple axes. Thelaser in step 804 may be capable of etching the mold at an angle that isnot normal to the surface of the mold. That is, the laser is capable ofapplying laser energy and etching the mold at an angle to create anundercut (relative to a normal angle). Molding of a rubber article usinga mold having an undercut results in a rubber article with a surfacefeature, letter, or number extending from the surface of the rubberarticle at an angle rather than orthogonally.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for creating a visual effect in a rubberarticle through treatment of a mold. Method 900 includes the steps ofproviding a mold for a rubber article (step 902). The mold is polishedto create the desired glossiness in the molded rubber article (step904).

In one embodiment, method 900 is used to create a visual effect in atire through treatment of a tire mold. The rubber article may be a tire.The mold may be a tire mold.

In one embodiment, the mold is polished to a finish substantially equalto SPI A-1, SPI A-2, or SPI A-3.

In one embodiment, the mold is polished in addition to being etched tocreate any of the above-described surface features, numbers, or lettersin the surface of the mold. The mold may be selectively polished andetched to form the desired pattern and contrast of glossy and surfacefeature elements in the molded rubber article.

In one embodiment, etching of any of the above-described surfacefeatures, numbers, or letters, may be performed using an engravingmachine, a milling machine, or a hand etching device. Etching using anengraving machine, a milling machine, or a hand etching device mayresult in surface features comprising the depth, width, and spacingdescribed above. A mold for a rubber article, including for example atire mold, may have negatives of surface features added to it viamachining, including through use of an engraving machine, a millingmachine, hand etching, and the like.

In one embodiment, a tire molded and vulcanized by conventional meansmay be carved or engraved to produce any of the above-described surfacefeatures, numbers, or letters. In one embodiment, a tire molded andvulcanized by conventional means may be carved or engraved to producesurface features comprising the depth, width, and spacing describedabove.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term“substantially” is used in the specification or the claims, it isintended to take into consideration the degree of precision available orprudent in manufacturing. To the extent that the term “selectively” isused in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to acondition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate ordeactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary ordesired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term“operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, itis intended to mean that the identified components are connected in away to perform a designated function. As used in the specification andthe claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural.Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, itis intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10”may mean from 9 to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated bythe description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments havebeen described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of thepresent application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects,is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, orany apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details,examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A rubber article having a visual effect,comprising: a surface having at least one surface feature; and whereinthe at least one surface feature comprises a plurality of linearelements creating a camouflage-shaped appearance.
 2. The rubber articleof claim 1, wherein the at least one surface feature is a plurality ofsurface features, wherein the plurality of surface features arecontained within distinct areas, and wherein each of the plurality ofsurface features interacts with light to create a shade of a color. 3.The rubber article of claim 2, wherein at least two of the plurality ofsurface features are adjacent one another, and wherein the adjacentsurface features create shades of black or gray that contrast.
 4. Therubber article of claim 2, wherein at least two of the plurality ofsurface features are adjacent one another, and wherein the adjacentsurface features create shades of a color that contrast.
 5. The rubberarticle of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface feature is aplurality of surface features, wherein the plurality of surface featuresare contained within distinct areas, and wherein the distinct areascreate the camouflage-shaped appearance.
 6. The rubber article of claim1, wherein the surface comprises a tire surface.
 7. The rubber articleof claim 1, wherein the at least one surface feature includes at leastone element having a depth between about 0.025 mm and about 0.305 mm, awidth between about 0.025 mm and about 0.508 mm, and a spacing betweenabout 0.025 mm and about 0.609 mm.
 8. The rubber article of claim 1,wherein the plurality of linear elements comprises at least one of:substantially straight lines, curved lines, lines of substantiallyconstant width, lines of varying width, lines of substantially constantdepth, lines of varying depth, lines of substantially constant height,lines of varying height, lines of substantially constant direction, andlines of varying direction.
 9. The rubber article of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one indicia, wherein at least a portion of the atleast one indicia comprises a glossy finish.
 10. A rubber article havinga visual effect, comprising: a surface comprising at least one surfacefeature; wherein the at least one surface feature comprises at least oneof: a plurality of non-linear elements, a carbon fiber appearance, acontrasting glossy and textured lettering, a shadowed lettering, agalvanized steel appearance, a knurled appearance, a leather appearance,a camouflage-shaped appearance, a leaf appearance, a tree appearance, atree bark appearance, and an image in shallow relief; and wherein the atleast one surface feature comprises at least one element having aspacing between about 0.025 mm and about 0.609 mm.
 11. The rubberarticle of claim 10, wherein the at least one surface feature comprisesa depth between about 0.025 mm and about 0.305 mm and a width betweenabout 0.025 mm and about 0.508 mm.
 12. The rubber article of claim 10,wherein the at least one surface feature is a plurality of surfacefeatures, wherein the plurality of surface features are contained withindistinct areas, and wherein each of the plurality of surface featuresinteracts with light to create a shade of a color.
 13. The rubberarticle of claim 12, wherein at least two of the plurality of surfacefeatures are adjacent one another, and wherein the adjacent surfacefeatures create shades of black or gray that contrast.
 14. The rubberarticle of claim 12, wherein at least two of the plurality of surfacefeatures are adjacent one another, and wherein the adjacent surfacefeatures create shades of a color that contrast.
 15. A rubber articlehaving a visual effect, comprising: a surface having at least twosurface features, each of the at least two surface features beingcontained within distinct areas; wherein each of the at least twosurface features comprise a plurality of linear elements, the pluralityof linear elements have a spacing between about 0.025 mm and about 0.609mm; and wherein each of the at least two surface features interacts withlight to create a shade of a color.
 16. The rubber article of claim 15,wherein the at least two surface features comprise a depth between about0.025 mm and about 0.305 mm and a width between about 0.025 mm and about0.508 mm.
 17. The rubber article of claim 15, wherein the at least twosurface features are adjacent one another, and wherein the adjacentsurface features create shades of black or gray that contrast.
 18. Therubber article of claim 15, wherein the at least two surface featuresare adjacent one another, and wherein the adjacent surface featurescreate shades of a color that contrast.
 19. The rubber article of claim15, wherein the distinct areas create the camouflage-shaped appearance.20. The rubber article of claim 15, wherein the plurality of linearelements comprises at least one of: substantially straight lines, curvedlines, lines of substantially constant width, lines of varying width,lines of substantially constant depth, lines of varying depth, lines ofsubstantially constant height, lines of varying height, lines ofsubstantially constant direction, and lines of varying direction.